Name: PB-5 Precision Programmable Pulse Generator
Brand: Berkeley Nucleonics
Availability: InStock

PB-5 Precision Programmable Pulse Generator

A triple-width NIM module precision pulse generator with 155 µV amplitude resolution, ±10 ppm jitter, and a built-in ramp generator. One hundred percent programmable from the front panel or over RS-232, with repetition rates to 500 kHz for MCA and PHA linearity testing and the most demanding nuclear spectroscopy work.

PB-5 Datasheet · Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation

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1Description

Line drawing of the PB-5 triple-width NIM module — PB-5 triple-width NIM module.

"This is our best pulser."

The Model PB-5 provides unprecedented performance in a precision pulse generator. It includes a full-featured, highly flexible ramp generator, parameter programmability and flash memory.

As a precision pulse generator, the PB-5 surpasses or equals all existing designs in the important performance areas of resolution, linearity and stability. The pulse repetition rates, which are variable over a broad range, go up to 0.5 MHz. The higher rates are required when testing for MCA and PHA linearity because of the high number of data points required for a statistically valid test.

The built-in ramp generator allows you to control ramp duration, the number of ramps and ramp limits. Now you can test the entire range of your system or just a portion of that range. This ramp generator and precision pulse generator combination allows you to tackle the most demanding applications.

The 4x16 LCD display, keypad, and a spinner knob provide a user interface that is easy to use. The RS232 interface is also standard along with memory that will store and recall nine pulse settings. Parameters can be selected and changed by spinner knob and/or keypad push-buttons.

The PB-5 is the successor to the industry standard PB-4 pulse generator.

2Features & Applications

Features

155 µV resolution · ±10 ppm jitter · 100% programmable

Excellent linearity, stability and resolution
Built-in ramp generator
High rep rates
Free LabVIEW driver

Applications

Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA) testing
Nuclear circuit testing
Pulse Height Analyzer calibration
Pile-up and saturation tests
Rise-time and bandwidth characterization
NIM module system integration
Radiation detector testing

3Specifications

Rep Rate	2.0 Hz to 500 kHz
Width	100 ns to 1 ms
Delay	250 ns to 10 ms
Rise Time	50 ns to 10 µs (10% - 90%) in 8 steps
Decay Time	0.5 µs to 1.0 ms (100% - 37%) in 11 steps
Pulse Type	Flat-top or Tail pulse In tail mode, rise time is a fixed 50 ns, decay time is adjustable. In flat-top mode, both rise time and decay time are adjustable.
Polarity	Positive/Negative
Ext. Trigger	0 to 500 kHz, +100 mV to +3.5 V, threshold adjustable
Modes	Single pulse via a front panel pushbutton Internal Rep Rate External Trigger External Gate with the same pulse requirements as Ext. Trigger Clamped baseline option to bring the baseline to zero prior to the next pulse Internal Ramp: adjustable start and stop points; adjustable ramp period 30 - 900 s; selectable number of ramp cycles; ramp in keV or volts
Remote	RS232 at 9600 baud
Power Required	+24 V, 170 mA -24 V, 150 mA +12 V, 450 mA -12 V, 5 mA
Mechanical	Triple-width AEC NIM module 4.05” wide x 8.70” high in accordance with TID-20893 (Rev 3.)
Weight	2 lbs. 13 oz. net, 6 lbs shipping
Portable power supply available	See BNC Model AP-3 Portable NIM Power Supply

4Amplitude

Amplitude	0.0 to 10.0 V (0 to 5 V into 50 ohms) Scalable in energy units (keV)
Resolution	155 µV
Jitter	±10 ppm
Attenuation	1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000
Integral non-linearity	±15 ppm
Temperature stability	±5 ppm per °C from 20 °C to 45 °C

Note. The printed PB-5 datasheet lists the attenuation sequence as "0, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000". The PB-5 user manual and the BNC product page both list the first step as 1 (no attenuation); the manual values are shown here. Confirm with BNC engineering for critical applications.

5User Interface & Remote Operation

PB-5 front panel with the pulse settings menu shown on the LCD display — PB-5 front panel.

All PB-5 parameters are set from the front panel or over the standard RS-232 remote interface. The 4x16 LCD display presents a menu system for pulse settings, trigger mode and ramp settings; values are entered with the keypad or dialed in with the spinner knob. Nine complete pulse setups can be stored and recalled from memory.

PB-5 LCD display showing the Main Menu: pulse settings, trigger mode, ramp settings — Main Menu.

PB-5 LCD display showing the Pulse Settings menu: amplitude, polarity, pulse top — Pulse Settings.

PB-5 LCD display showing the Trigger Mode menu: external trigger, threshold — Trigger Mode.

PB-5 LCD display showing the Ramp Settings menu: start, stop, ramp time — Ramp Settings.

A free LabVIEW driver is available for the PB-5, and the PB-5 Host end-user software utility provides full remote control of pulse parameters, attenuation, ramp cycles and single-cycle triggering from a PC over RS-232 at 9600 baud.

PB-5 Host software utility window with pulse status, character and pulse controls — Programmable Precision Pulse Generator End User Software Utility.

6Compliance

The PB-5 carries the CE mark, as shown on the published datasheet.